Awoniyi Names Alexander-Arnold As Best RB In The World; Why He Chose Liverpool Over Monaco

Having trained with the young England international in the past, Nigeria U23 striker Taiwo Awoniyi believes Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best right-back in the world despite the defender's age.

Still only 21, the Liverpool academy product has tallied an incredible 30 assists over the course of the last two seasons and was an influential player in the team that won the Champions League in 2019.

"I have the normal coach-player relationship with Jurgen Klopp, he always hugs everybody," Awoniyi said in an Instagram conversation with Eagles Tracker.

"In terms of football, I think Alexander-Arnold, the right back is the most amazing player I have trained with. The way he plays the balls when he makes a pass. For his age he is too clever - the delivery.

"For me I think he is the best right-back in the world now."

Awoniyi went on to detail how Liverpool won the race for his signature in 2015, beating the likes of Monaco and Porto.

"Right from time, I never knew about Belgian and German League. The only league I have in my head is England, that was where I dream of playing, and even in my prayers I told God I wanted to play in England.

"For me signing for Liverpool is a test of my faith and that's why I chose Liverpool.

"I signed in 2015, two years after the U17 World Cup, I had series of offers from Monaco, Porto and Anderlecht.

"As at that time, I was to go to Monaco but the truth is that I was 18 and all of a sudden Liverpool came into the show.

"Seyi Olofinjana told me Liverpool wanted to sign me since after the World Cup but when they contacted Nigeria a lot of people claimed to be my agent so the interest faded.

"They kept monitoring my progress in the U20 and U23 national teams and that was when they said it's time to sign me.

"I must confess that I didn't know the work permit was this difficult to get. I preferred to go with Liverpool because Monaco said they would still loan me out as well.

"Olofinjana gave me the chance to choose where I want to go and also I spoke to some coaches and gave them the option, I was advised to choose Liverpool if the two conditions are the same, that's why I chose Liverpool," he added.

Awoniyi has been farmed out on loan to five different clubs, including FSV Frankfurt, Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent and Mainz since his celebrated move to Liverpool from Imperial Soccer Academy.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel